UFC Fight Night 28’s Biggest Losers: What’s Next?

Yuri Villefort (6-3 / Lost via Split Decision to Sean Spencer)

Though Villefort’s bout with Spencer was closely contested, the end result marks his third consecutive stumble. As such, Villefort is likely to be released. However, he has potential and could definitely land a gig fighting in one of the numerous second-tier promotions out there like Bellator, WSOF, Legacy FC, etc..

Wisniewski has been around the sport for awhile and seemed to finally be entering his prime when he signed with the UFC, sporting a six-fight winning streak at the time. He’s since lost three in a row and, as a result, is destined for a shot on the regional scene. Unfortunately, at 31 years old, Wednesday night likely marked the last time fans will see Wisniewski in the Octagon.

Tor Troeng (16-5-1 / Lost via Unanimous Decision to Rafael Natal)

Troeng was completely out-classed at times by Natal but he weathered the storm and never gave up. That heart, along with a five-fight run prior to the stumble, should be enough to earn the Swedish finisher another shot on the sport’s biggest stage if not two more goes under the UFC banner.

Marcus Vinicius (20-5-1 / Lost via TKO to Ali Bagautinov)

With a second straight strike-based defeat Vinicius is likely on his way out of the UFC. The one saving grace for Vinicius could be his size since the organization needs flyweights, but beyond that the leash he's on is extremely short. If cut, he should excel on the regional scene in Brazil but do little more than wow local fans. If not, fights with Darren Uyenoyama or Louis Gaudinot make sense given their similar standings in the division.

Francisco Trinaldo (13-3 / Lost via Submission to Piotr Hallman)

Though “Massaranduba” is 35 years old and only good for about a round-and-a-half of action, Trinaldo remains one of the most beloved Brazilians in the UFC and has some additional job security as a result given the organization’s interest in the South American nation. Expect to see him back in the Octagon the first time the UFC promotes a 2014 show in Brazil.

Jussier Formiga (15-3 / Lost via TKO to Joseph Benavidez)

Formiga came into the UFC as one of the top 125ers in MMA but has been stopped with strikes in two of his three tilts. He’s an excellent grappler but hasn’t show much beyond that. However, he’s definitely good enough to get another go in the Octagon. Fight-wise, Ian McCall would make for a solid match-up at some point in early 2014.

Yushin Okami (29-8 / Lost via TKO to Ronaldo Souza)

Outside of a time-traveler with a sports almanac from the future – we’re looking at YOU Biff Tannen – it’s a safe bet nobody picked “Jacare” to blast Okami into outer-space given the Brazilian’s BJJ background. However, MMA’s penchant for being tough to predict came through again came through and Okami’s evening ending in the opening round of action. There are plenty of possibilities for a perennial contender like Okami including bouts with Brad Tavares, Derek Brunson, Andrew Craig, or even a rematch with Tim Boetsch.

Ryan Bader (15-4 / Lost via TKO to Glover Teixeira)

“Darth” was taken out by force – pun intended – and once again sent a few rungs down the contendership ladder after looking sharp in a couple of clashes. He is quickly becoming a gatekeeper, giving way to potential pairings with up-and-comers like Ovince St. Preux, though Bader would be just at home in a rumble with Mauricio Rua or the winner of next month’s meeting between Thiago Silva-Matt Hamill.

The lineup for UFC Fight Night 28 was full of action and produced a number of memorable highlights. When the dust settled, eleven competitors stood tall while eleven others were left wondering whether or not they’d seen action in the Octagon for the final time. Here’s a look at what the future may have in store for some of the event’s biggest losers… (Photos by USA Today Sports Images)